Explanation of Euthanasia

The word "Euthanasia" comes from the greek terms "Eu" (Beautiful) and "thanatos" (death,) thus implying a beatuful death or a "mercy" killing.

Euthanasia is the intentional killing by act or omission of a dependent human being for his or her alleged benefit.

There are different types of Euthanasia:

Voluntary euthanasia: When the person who is killed has requested to be killed.

Non-voluntary: When the person who is killed made no request and gave no consent.

Involuntary euthanasia: When the person who is killed made an expressed wish to the contrary.

Assisted suicide: When someone provides an individual with the information, guidance, and means to take his or her own life with the intention that they will be used for this purpose. When it is a doctor who helps another person to it is called "physician assisted suicide."

Euthanasia by Action: Intentionally causing a person's death by performing an action such as by giving a lethal injection.

Euthanasia by Omission: Intentionally causing death by not providing necessary and ordinary (usual and customary) care or food and water.